Water flow control device

Abstract

A water flow control valve ( 10 ) designed to be installed externally on a toilet tank ( 108 ) or as an integral element of a toilet ballcock ( 110 ). The valve ( 10 ) incorporates a diaphragm ( 46 ), a spring ( 62 ), a poppet assembly ( 70 ), and an inlet port ( 38 ) that is connected to a utility water supply ( 100 ) and an outlet port ( 42 ) that is connected through a pipe ( 102 ) to a fitting ( 106 ) on the the toilet tank ( 108 ). The valve functions by sensing the pressure at the inlet port ( 38 ). When no large demands are placed on the water supply ( 100 ), the valve ( 10 ) remains open, thus allowing the toilet tank ( 108 ) to fill. When a shower is turned on, the water pressure drops which reduces the upward force on the diaphragm ( 46 ), thus allowing the spring ( 62 ) to place the poppet ( 70 ) in a closed position which prevents the toilet tank ( 108 ) from filling. When the water demand ceases, the water pressure opens the valve ( 10 ), which allows the toilet tank ( 108 ) to fill.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A water flow control valve that operates in combination with a common utility water supply connected to a first fixture supplying water at a preset flow and temperature, and a second fixture that is operated with cold water, said valve having means for allowing the first device to continue supplying the water at the preset flow and temperature when the second fixture is operated, wherein the first fixture is comprised of a shower and the second fixture is comprised of a toilet assembly having attached a toilet tank, wherein when the toilet assembly is flushed, the water present in the toilet tank allows the toilet assembly to flush and following the flush said valve operates, restricting a flow of water into the toilet tank until the water flow from the shower is turned off, wherein the curtailment of the toilet's cold water flow prevents cold water from being taken from the water mixture of the shower, thus, the water flowing from the shower remains at the preset temperature. 
     
     
       2. The water flow control valve as specified in  claim 1  wherein said valve comprises: 
       a) a valve body comprising:  
       (1) a upper section having an upward-extending spring cavity that terminates with an upper cap having therethrough a substantially-centered knob bore and a set of lower external threads,  
       (2) a lower section having a downward-extending poppet cavity having a set of internal threads that are dimensioned to mate with the set of external threads on said upper section, wherein the poppet cavity terminates with an angled seating bore that intercepts an internal passage that connects an inlet port with an outlet port,  
       (b) a resilient diaphragm clamped between the upper section and the lower section, wherein said diaphragm creates a tight pressure seal between the two sections,  
       c) a spring retaining insert fitted over said diaphragm,  
       d) a spring tension adjustment knob having a threaded shaft that is threadably inserted through the knob bore and that interfaces with a spring retaining disc,  
       e) a spring having an upper end that interfaces with the spring retaining disc and a lower end that interfaces with the spring retaining insert, and  
       f) a poppet assembly having:  
       (1) an upper section that interfaces with the diaphragm and is attached thereto by an attachment means, and  
       (2) a lower section that terminates with an angled face that is dimensioned to fit into the angled seating bore.  
     
     
       3. The valve as specified in  claim 2  wherein the inlet port is located normal to the surface of said lower section and include a set of external threads. 
     
     
       4. The valve as specified in  claim 2  wherein the outlet port is located opposite the inlet port and normal to the surface of said lower section and includes a set of internal threads. 
     
     
       5. The valve as specified in  claim 1  wherein the inlet port on said valve is connected to a standard fitting located on a valve controlling the utility water supply, and the outlet port is connected to a standard fitting located on the toilet tank water inlet port. 
     
     
       6. The valve as specified in  claim 2  wherein to install said valve the inlet port on said valve is connected through a standard female fitting via a pipe to a utility water supply, and the outlet port is connected to a standard male fitting projecting from the base of the toilet tank. 
     
     
       7. The valve as specified in  claim 1  wherein said means for attaching said poppet assembly to said diaphragm comprises a screw. 
     
     
       8. The valve as specified in  claim 2  wherein said resilient diaphragm is made of neoprene. 
     
     
       9. The valve as specified in  claim 2  wherein the upper and lower sections of said valve body are made of metal. 
     
     
       10. The valve as specified in  claim 2  wherein the upper and lower sections of said valve body are made of high-impact plastic. 
     
     
       11. The valve as specified in  claim 2  wherein when no pressure is being applied into the inlet port, said spring moves said poppet assembly downward, closing the valves, and preventing water from flowing into the toilet tank, conversely when the pressure applied to the inlet port is sufficient to overcome the force of the spring said poppet assembly moves upward, opening said valve and allowing water to flow into the toilet tank. 
     
     
       12. The valve as specified in  claim 1  wherein the preload applied to the spring is adjusted by means of the spring tension adjustment knob. 
     
     
       13. The valve as specified in  claim 1  wherein said valve is designed to be included as an integral element of a toilet ballcock assembly. 
     
     
       14. The valve as specified in  claim 1  wherein said valve is designed to be attached to fixtures such as washing machines and dishwashers.